Chicago-area dealer recommendation

Made a connection with Jamie at F1 Audio. Knowledgeable and very personable and customer oriented. Thanks for all the recs. Stay safe all.

I have dealt with Simply Stereo in Hoffman Estates.  Dave Skozz, formerly an employee and now the owner, has moved it to Palatine.  He is great, low key with good advice.

Lots of great information here. Thanks to all.

I cannot, I mean, CANNOT say enough good things about Musical Artisans. You will not get more professionalism from anyone but Ricardo who owns the dealership. He's brilliant, will give you no pushy tactics or BS, and carries the big boys like Nagra, CH Precision, Rockport, Kharma, and De Baer turntables (one of the best TT's there are). Kyomi Audio is also great, who carries The Gryphon, GamuT, Bergmann (another great turntable), and several other uber-high-end. I drive from Minneapolis just for these two stores and everything I own is from them. Next in line would be Quintessence, who recently revamped their brand lines. Smart move because I have very little respect for Synergistic Research. Both Kyomi and Quintessence also carry less expensive brands to round out their businesses, but Musical Artisans strictly caters to the elite audiophile.

Decibel Audio in Chicago.  They are the best hands down.  Super fair trade in allowance and pricing.  

Quintessence Audio LTD
5701 W Dempster St
Morton Grove, IL 60053
Phone: (847) 966-4434

Albert at PAV audio (precision audio visual) is fantastic and is very knowledgeable.

+1 @chesebert ProMusica
Really nice guys and they know a lot about music. They actually record in their studio from time to time and have Linn and Naim equipment amongst others.

I strongly recommend F1 Audio as well. If you are moving to a smaller room maybe check out the new Magico A1 they are the new bookshelf. They are incredible for the price and work well in a smaller room. You can always add a sub down the road as well. Mick at quintessence is great as well and there is also simply stereo. Music direct is good but I always try to buy from the smaller local dealers as opposed to the big guys. ABT is also worth a look they carry B&W, Sonus Fabre and Martin Logan. 

The local guys are more likely to work with you on pricing. Plus if we don’t support them they will be gone. 

Mick @ Quintessence and Ken @ Pro Musica have been at it the longest after AC folded up.

Precision Audio and Video . I believe the person I dealt with was Albert, True gentleman I highly recommend 

Albert at Precision Audio and Video.  He works hard to make it right for you and make sure you're happy and satisfied.

I am in Kansas City, the two channel audio wasteland of the central states. Many trips to Chicago to listen to different things. There are some great people and great companies there. Mick at Quintessence Audio is at the top of the list. He even brought on John from Audio Consultants, and I hear he’s a great addition.  Jamie at F1 Audio is another. Mike at Audio Archon shows from his home, but fills in the gap in brands that Mick and Jamie don’t have. 

I live in Chicagoland and have dealt with many audio dealers in the area. While MusicDirect is very good if you actually go there and make a deal with one of the sales folks and or look over their scratch and dent and other stuff not listed on their website, you will be well served to check out Jamie Pauls at F1 Audio currently in the Chicago suburb of Palatine, but moving to a new store space in Vernon Hills. Other area dealer I can recommend is Albert Sportis  at Precision Audio Video in Chicago. I have not been to Quintessence in Morton Grove, but they are well regarded and carry very nice lines. Also if you are looking for First Watt (and maybe Pass Labs), there is a small dealer in Chicagoland as well. 

Holm.Audio in Woodridge Illinois. I have had a good relationship with the owner Mike Holm. He and his staff are great.
You won't be disappointed.
Happy Listening
Mark

I had a great experience with Precision Audio and Video.  

Didn’t know Audio Consultants closed. Oh well, looks like I missed some good sale...

There are many good options in Chicago, if you look.  It also, obviously, depends on what brands you want to audition or shop for.

Audio Archon 

Audiogon member >>  @audioarchon 

https://www.audioarchon.com/

+1 @dweller Precision A/V solid;

Another plus vote for Music Direct.

Audio Consultants closed? The end of an era. It would help if you knew where you will be dwelling. An AGon member (albertsportis) owns Precision Audio and Video in the Uptown area. Seems to have a huge inventory and really good deals. Southwest suburbs has Holm Audio. Close to the Loop is Superior Audio.

Sadly, Audio Consultants is now closed as the owner, Simon, retired in January.

Simon recommended the Saturday Audio Exchange (Chicago) and Quintessence Audio (Skokie).

F1 Audio picked up Ayre.

Music Direct. Known more as a mail order business but they have a couple of showrooms in their new facility on the north side of Chicago. Super friendly and knowledgeable staff. Great place to shop for new and used LP's also. 

Pro Musica Audio - I got my Linn stuff from there as well as some Grado accessories. Very friendly and helpful. They have certain tastes and preferences that I do not share but they respect your ear and always try to be helpful. They have even offered to do at home demo from time to time - well before the human malware situation. 
Chicago's Audio Consultants is another one that I would recommend. I have visited the place a few times and generally enjoyed the experience. They are more established and is now run by the second generation. If I ever need a replacement for my Ayre I will get it from them.